Disclaimer: I do not own the properties of the Yu-Gi-Oh franchise or the work of the cards; I only own the OCs that could or may be involved in this series. I own nothing of the real OCG cards, just the formal OC character.

Chapter 14: The Little Things

After days of working around the clock without quitting, the time was finally coming. Yasuko and Riley can finally go to the Tops with their forged documents and IDs. They're just having one last breakfast with the residents before leaving. And to add it all, Rin is coming along with them. Marlene welcomed her with open arms, much to the disapproval of her granddaughter. She complains that there are too many mouths to feed. But it wouldn't matter to her anyway since this will be the last time they'll see them again.

Marlene and Casey made breakfast for everyone to enjoy before they leave. Seeing the kids go for the Tops is sad, but Marlene doesn't mind them leaving. They were good company to her.

"What will you do when you return to the Tops?" Casey inquired.

Yasuko turned to Riley, who was eating his scrambled eggs and bacon. "For starters, Riley and I are going to get someone," she said. "I wondered if they could help us deal with the security issue."

"Speaking of issues," Kalin joined in, eating his plate of eggs. "Why'd you bring her along?" Kalin points his fork over to Rin. "She's not going to stay here."

"But she is staying with Riley and me," Yasuko pointed out. "I have my reasons, Kalin." She briefly looked at Rin, still wondering whether she could be of some help to her.

"But what if you're discovered?" Casey inquired, concerned about Yasuko's fate upon reaching the Tops.

"I have people to back me up," said Yasuko. Yet, in the back of her head, she doubts whether the twins or Akiza will back her up. "I hope they do?" she thought.

Rin looked at Yasuko and said, "How'd you know these people?" She has to wonder what kind of connections Yasuko has with the Tops. Not many Commons know anyone from the Tops since the two sides have a wide disparity. Yet, Yasuko knows someone.

"Let's just say…I happened to bump into them," said Yasuko. She refuses to disclose anything about the twins or Akiza until they meet them again.

"Like just bump into them? Or did you happen to meet them?" Rin questioned.

"It's complicated," Yasuko responded. She cannot even explain how to summarize her encounter with the twins and Akiza. It's just pure luck she's met them.

"But they'll know you, right?" Rin inquired.

"Yeah," Yasuko acknowledged.

"That means we can get a house," Rin beamed. "A warm bed and lots of food. Maybe you can get them to help us find Yugo."

"Take it easy," Yasuko called. "First, I need to get Riley safe, and then I have to get Yuya out of the facility."

"You mean that boy who looked like Yugo?" Rin is sure she's referring to the boy Yasuko mentioned earlier.

"Unfortunately, yes," Yasuko confirmed. "And until I get Yuya out of the Facility, Yugo and the others will have to wait." Yasuko was very clear about her next move. She wants Yuya out of prison quickly because she can only rely on him the most.

"Okay," Rin nodded. "Then we find Yugo."

In the back of her mind, Yasuko isn't sure how to find Yugo. The last time she saw him was when he was on TV, chased by security, and Zuzu was riding alongside him. It will be difficult for her, especially if they're in the Commons.

Once they finished breakfast, it was time to move. Marlene packed up some food for them. Apples. Carrots. Boiled eggs. Bread. Tomatoes. Whatever she has, Marlene gives them what they can carry for the rest of the trip. It won't be pretty, but they're going to the Tops no matter what.

"Alright, kiddies, I hope you like tuna salads and fresh plums," Marlene beamed. She takes a small basket and hands it over to Riley. "And here you go, little one. A nice batch of apples for the road." Riley looked confused at the basket in his small hands, probably wondering what to do with a basket of apples from Marlene's garden.

Rin slightly bows her head as a sign of appreciation for staying in the house. "Thank you for letting us stay here," she said.

Marlene smiled at Rin. "You're most welcome, deary," she responded.

Riley comes over to Yasuko's duel runner. It was installed with a sidecar for a passenger, courtesy of Elsa to deliver for them. He places the basket inside before entering the sidecar.

Casey waves at them. "Good luck with your journey," she said. "Hope you have a great time getting there."

Yasuko nodded. She turned to Kalin and offered her hand to him. "Thanks for helping me, Kalin," she stated.

In return, Kalin smirked and shook her hand back. "Sure, just don't tell anyone 'bout me. I'd rather not draw attention here to Casey and Granny," he said.

Yasuko departs for the duel runner, where Riley and Rin await her. Riley puts on his goggles, and Rin and Yasuko put on their helmets and turn on their visors.

Yasuko took the stick, with Rin coming up from behind. Both girls and Riley looked at the three, and they waved while Kalin simply gave a farewell salute.

Yasuko turns on the duel runner and drives off with Riley and Rin in tow.

The ride to the Tops isn't an easy task. They can't simply ride their duel runner to a road leading them to the Tops. They'll be forced to stop at the front, where they will be identified, and that's a problem. The only way in is through their back door. Despite being exclusively for Elsa's special deliveries, she will look the other way on them for their job yesterday. She allows the three to enter the Tops without drawing any attention.

Usually, this back door was meant for her delivery, but Elsa allows them to get to the Tops just this once. Even Rin knows of him since she used to work for Elsa after escaping Academia.

They ride up through the tunnel and into the darkness. The headlight automatically turned on, allowing them to see.

When she got to the Tops, Yasuko was thinking of step 2. She needs to get the twins or Akiza to help them release her Lancer comrades from prison. With their high connections, she figures they could get a lawyer to post bail for their release. Yet, it'll look suspicious if they all come out together. She will bail Yuya out of the Facility first; the rest will follow.

"Just stay put, Yuya; I'll get you out soon," Yasuko thought.

A light was shining at the end of the tunnel. As soon as the three exits, they're now in the Tops.

As they drive on the highway, majestic skyscrapers surround them. The buildings' patterns and luxuries decorate the landscape with many opportunities.

Rin is beaming at the sight of these wonderful buildings. For the first time, she is in the Tops. She's dreamt of coming to the Tops. Yet, despite being marveled by the sight of the neighborhood, she still feels hollow. The experience isn't the same without Yugo. She's always wanted to come to the Tops and live here for the rest of her life, but it's nothing without Yugo in the picture. She wanted Yugo to be beside her and take in the view of the Tops.

"It's beautiful," she admitted.

"But it's nothing without Yugo, isn't it?" Yasuko assumed. Since Rin was from the Commons, she figured she wanted to see the Tops with her friend, but he is not here with her.

Rin nodded. "Yugo and I have always dreamed of coming to the Tops," she said. "We built a duel runner together so that when we win the Friendship Cup, we can move up just like Jack." She seems to have flashbacks of when she was constructing the duel runner for Yugo to use in the Friendship Cup.

"So, what do you guys want to eat?" Yasuko blurted out.

Rin and Riley looked at her in confusion, unsure what to make of a response for her.

The pizza place Yasuko had taken the twins to is still there. The owner, Javier, was shocked when Yasuko came to the shop despite being wanted by security. At least, he was generous enough to let them order some pizza for her new friends, though it may be because she brought in the twins from the Tops, which was supposedly good for business. Either way, she's going to get something for Riley and Rin.

At the table, Yasuko had ordered some cheese pizza for Rin and Riley. They were baffled that Yasuko would do something so casual that it would risk exposing them to the Topsiders and getting security to arrest them, but she acted like it was nothing serious. Even Riley doesn't know what kind of situation they are in except by focusing on eating his slice of pizza.

"Are you sure we are allowed to eat here?" Rin inquired, looking around anxiously. She seemed paranoid, although rightly so since they're in the Tops now and not in the Commons.

"It should be fine," Yasuko assured. "The new IDs Blister made for us should be enough to cover our tracks. At least until we can find the twins or Akiza."

Rin choked on her drink as Yasuko mentioned Akiza. Of course, she had to know about Akiza, much to Yasuko's chagrin. She's tired of people from the Tops and Commons knowing Akiza's status.

"You can't be serious!" Rin gasped.

"Am I?" Yasuko dared, unfazed by her reaction. "Believe me, I've met people in this city who are far more bizarre than you." She bites down on her pizza. "So, stop gaping. We're going to the twins' place to lay low, and hope security doesn't touch us when we're at the Tops."

Yasuko wonders what kind of authority the twins might have over security. Crow mentioned that Sector Security are the watchdogs for the Tops. She figures the twins or Akiza might have some power over security because they're from the Tops. At least, she hoped they do.

Rin was eating her pizza slice, skeptically staring at Yasuko. "Okay, so you know Akiza, but what about these twins? Do you think they'll be able to help us?" she questioned. "You know that Tops don't help the Commons, right?"

Yasuko sips on her soda while processing what Rin told her. "Not unless you meet the right people," she said. "The twins are just kids. Akiza may be the senator's daughter, but that doesn't mean she's acting like those people from the Tops who would call security on us. Wanted to do the right thing." She can't forget Akiza protecting the kids who lived with Crow. "I think we can trust her."

"So, Akiza is going to help us?" Rin inquired.

"Not unless we find the twins first," Yasuko replied. "We have only 20,000 dollars in cash, a duel runner, and we need to find the twins, Lua and Luna." She finishes her slice before picking up another. "I'm not too keen on getting them involved, but with Sector Security after us. I need somebody who can help."

"Then why not we get Elsa to help us? She probably has connections," Rin suggested.

"Can't," Yasuko refused. "Elsa may be a boss, but I can't stay with her. She doesn't hold anything but a higher bargain. And I don't have much to offer."

Rin looked a bit pouty. Her pursed lips give her a disappointed expression. "But Elsa would've been a valuable ally," she said.

"Elsa's neutral regarding the Tops and Commons," Yasuko stated. "Even if she wanted me to work for her, I can't leave Riley alone." She looked up at Rin and said, "We have only each other, Rin. Nothing is going to make our situation better."

Rin was in deep thought, pondering what their options were. Maybe Yasuko is right. They're both fugitives, and the window of opportunity is closing faster for them. Perhaps it's best to follow through with what Yasuko might plan for.

"So, we're going to the twins?" Rin asked.

"That's the plan," said Yasuko. "We find the twins, we find Akiza, and we hope for the best they could get us someplace to stay." Yasuko takes another slice. "And then, I bail Yuya out of prison."

"Yuya? You mean that boy who looked like Yugo?" Rin questioned what Yasuko intended to do with Yuya. "Why him?"

"I can't bail out the other Lancers; it'll be suspicious," said Yasuko. "Yuya is going out first, and the others will come next." She never thought of having Serena out just yet or leaving her behind either, but she's still a pain to deal with. "Besides, this whole dimension has a very corrupted justice system, so it's no brainer they'll just have to release Yuya if someone from the Tops orders them out."

Once they finished eating their lunch, Yasuko paid the owner and left him a large tip as a thank you for his gratitude, using the wad of cash from Elsa. The sun bears down on them as they exit out of the shop. With the skies as clear as the ocean, it was a beautiful day for anyone, especially those from the Tops. Yet, the trio can't take a rest just yet. They're going to be heading to the twins.

Yasuko takes the stick and drives the duel runner, this time with Rin in the sidecar while Riley rides with her. Given the circumstances, they aren't spotted, and no one notices them. The ride was just so smooth. The sights of the tall buildings in the Tops make Rin beam with delight. Everything was brimming with cleaner air, and the smell was fresher even during the day. It's hard to believe the Tops get everything, but the Commons do not.

Yasuko comes up to take a turn left. The twins live in an apartment complex exclusively only for the Tops, so if memories serve, they live on the west side of the Tops. She comes to a halt. Looking up, Yasuko remembers exactly what kind of apartment the twins live in.

"Alright, we're here," said Yasuko.

Riley and Rin looked at the apartment complex where Yasuko mentioned the twins' home. They were amazed by the sight of the apartment building. They thought that the apartment building was usually a super tall skyscraper, but instead, the apartment is a rare twisting building, which is modeled after a DNA strand in the form of a double helix rotating 90 degrees from top to bottom, with each floor rotating 4.5 degrees. The apartment didn't stop there, as a second set of buildings with similar designs was also connected to the apartment.

"Whoa," Rin uttered. "They live here?"

"Don't be surprised," said Yasuko. "They're from the Tops. They can buy anything." She drives her duel runner to find a parking garage within the building. Figuring that they're gated, Yasuko hopes the new IDs will give them access to the building.

She drives up to the gated garage entrance. Yasuko pulls out something from her back pocket. It was a small silver card Blister gave her along with the new IDs. "Let's see if Blister did his job right," she stated. Yasuko pressed the card on the scanner and waited. About three seconds later, the scanner turns green, allowing the gates to open.

"Amazing," Rin awed. "Blister did it well."

"So far," Yasuko countered.

The girl drives the duel runner into the garage. As the gate closed behind them, Yasuko parked the duel runner, and the three hopped off.

"Alright, let's go find the twins," said Yasuko.

The twins were doing their business as usual. With Akiza busy, there was nothing more they could do for now. They're just kids. What can they do to help Yasuko? Regardless, they can't do anything about it. They've got a big day ahead of them as today was their school's Friendship Festival. Every year, the festival occurs at a rotating school where students from all grades and other schools in the Tops plan things for everyone to have fun.

Lua was looking forward to the festival since this year is their school's turn to host. He seemed excited that the festival was going to be bigger than ever.

"Alright, got my pack, deck, duel disk," he bubbled. He packed his duel disk and deck, ensuring he got everything for the festival. "Oh man, I can't wait!" He was excited for the festival. Lua turns to his twin sister. "Hey, Luna, do you want me to bring an extra bag for you?" he asked.

Unlike Lua, Luna wasn't in a very exciting mood.

"Luna?" Lua called to his sister. When he approaches her, the brother notices how quiet she is. He realized what Luna was thinking. "Are you still worried about Yasuko?"

Luna nodded. She was worried about Yasuko more than the festival at her school. "I hope she's okay," she said. "Akiza said she's doing everything to help, but… we're not doing anything to help her." She turned to her brother and said, "I'm afraid she could already be arrested."

"What? That's ridiculous," said Lua. "Akiza said she will call someone to come in and convince security to let Yasuko go. I'm sure they'll be able to help her."

Luna wanted to agree with her brother, but there was no way she couldn't let Yasuko be sent to the Facility. "Do you think Yasuko will come back?" she asked.

Lua isn't sure how to answer his sister's question. He was just saved from answering when their doorbell rang. The twins looked at the door in confusion.

"It must be Akiza," Lua assumed. "Maybe she has something to tell us." He comes over to the door to see who it is. He takes a stool and peeks over to the peephole. When he saw through, Lua was in shock.

"No way!" Lua gasped. He turns to his sister. "Luna! It's Yasuko! Yasuko's back!"

Luna perked her head, almost as shocked as her brother. She hurried over to the door as Lua put the stool away. Her sister unlocks the door and opens it wide to see if the person is really Yasuko. "Yasuko!" Luna exclaimed.

There was no doubt in their minds. It's Yasuko Yukihana at their door. The twins hurled over to check on the girl when Yasuko was at the door.

"Yasuko!" Lua beamed. "We're so glad you're okay!" He comes over and hugs the girl, making her flinch in surprise. "When we saw you on TV, we were so worried! Do you know how worried we were when Sector Security posted you as the most wanted person in the city?! We fear something bad might have happened to you and that you were sent to prison because you are a fugitive. We don't have a lawyer to help you, and we couldn't contact you.

"I can't imagine what would've happened if you got caught! I'd never forgive myself for not going with you! If you hadn't been out there for days, you wouldn't have gotten in trouble with security. I can't fathom why you keep going out despite telling us you'll be back in a few days, and now this happened! I don't want you to go to prison, Yasuko. Please don't leave us ever again! Please!" Lua cried, begging the girl never to leave them again.

Yasuko was sure his snot could stain her shirt and pulled him back to get some space. "Lua, cool your head," she retorted. "I didn't want this to happen either, but some of my idiots were just too stupid to get security after them." She turns to the twin sister. "And I apologize for making you worry."

"What happened back there?" Luna questioned. "You said you would stay at a Common for a few days! But now, security is looking for you. You can't be seen here."

Yasuko sighed. "Well, I'm here, and I have someone else with me," she said.

"Who else?" Lua inquired.

Yasuko turns her head to the other side of the door. "Just a few people," she revealed.

On cue, Rin comes to the door. She spots the twins and politely waves at them, "Hi," she greets.

Lua and Luna gasped in shock. It was the girl they had seen on TV being chased by security.

"It's you!" Lua exclaimed.

Yasuko put a finger on her mouth to silence the twin brother. "Shhh!" She looked around to see if anyone who lived in the apartment heard them. She grabbed a hand from her right side. "Come on, we can discuss this inside," she hissed. The girl pulled Riley and pushed Rin inside before closing the door behind her.

The twins were surprised when they saw Riley. They had no idea Yasuko would bring in a child who was just around their age.

"Who's he?" Luna asked.

"Okay, here's the story," Yasuko replied.

With everyone inside, Yasuko begins to reiterate everything that happened to her over the past few days—everything from her time at Crow's house to escaping from security and doing business with a crime boss. The more she tells the story, the more she amazes the twins. As she concludes her story, the twins are completely astonished by her experience. It was like something out of an action movie.

"Wow," said Lua. "You worked for a crime boss? That's so cool!"

Luna scowls at her brother and punches him hard. "Shut up, Lua! That is not cool!" she shouted. "She could go to prison for doing that." She turns to Yasuko and Rin with a very concerned look. "This is bad. If security finds you in our place, we could get in trouble, too. And our parents aren't home."

"But Luna," Rin interjected. "We don't have a choice. We wouldn't be here if we hadn't done that delivery."

Luna faces Rin and says, "But you worked for a crime boss. You could go to prison for life."

"That's why we came to you," said Yasuko. "I need to know where Akiza is. She's the senator's daughter. She must know someone who can get Sector Security off my back."

Lua widened his eyes, nearly forgetting something about Akiza. "Oh, Akiza? I know where we can find her," he divulged.

"Really? Where?" Rin insisted.

"She's at the Friendship Festival," Lua revealed. "She's the head manager of the event for our school, so if we go there, we can find her."

"Lua," Luna interrupted. "We can't take them with us. They'll be seen."

Luna is right. Yasuko is too recognizable to anyone who has seen her wanted pictures. She can't go out without a disguise, nor can Rin be in public. Riley seemed okay with his attire, but Yasuko and Rin need disguises. She thought of an idea and turned to the twins.

"Hey, kids, is there a clothing store near your place?" Yasuko asked.

It was hasty, but the twins went out and bought some clothes that didn't stand out—at least, something they considered less trendy. They bought as many clothes as they could bring back to their place. Since they're from the Tops, they have the luxury of many items on sale, discounted, or limited edition. Rin and Yasuko will change into different clothes to get through the huge crowds at the festival. Riley won't be an issue since he's a kid, and not many kids like him will get the attention. Lua wonders about the new kid as Riley and the twins wait for the girls to finish changing.

"So, your name is Riley, huh? I'm Lua, and this is my twin sister, Luna," Lua introduced. "We're friends of Yasuko. Are you her friend, too?"

Riley was silent, not responding to the boy. Like with Crow's kids, the boy turns to face forward, his cap hiding his eyes.

Lua was confused. "Uh…a little shy much?" he asked, but Riley did not reply. He was stiff like a board, as usual, holding to his teddy bear. "Uh…okay? So anyway, you're a duelist, right? Well, I'm a duelist, too, and I'm going to become the best turbo duelist in the city, just like Jack Atlas. He's the King. I bet you'll love him. He's so cool."

Luna can see how uncomfortable Riley looks while her brother is talking. "Lua, just leave him alone," she said. Turning to Riley, she tells him, "I apologize for my brother; he tends to be a little bit of a show-off."

"I am not!" Lua snapped. "I'm just trying to make friends with him."

"But can't you see you're scaring him?" Luna quipped.

"What? I'm just trying to be friendly," Lua argued.

Luna comes closer and places a hand on Riley's, making him flinch in surprise. "Don't worry, you're safe here," she reassured. "You're in the Tops. No one is going to hurt you."

Riley wasn't sure what to make out of the twins. The brother and sister don't like what he expects from his relationship with Declan. Lua was adamant with his sister, but Luna was the same for Lua. Maybe this is what it means to have a strong sibling bond. The boy wonders if that would be true for him and Declan.

"Okay, we're finished," Rin called.

The twins and Riley looked at the girls returning with their new disguises.

Rin was wearing a blue striped neck blouse with a navy blue skirt that reached her upper kneecaps and was being held by a brown belt with a star. She is wearing leggings underneath her skirt. She also wears brown high knee bits with low heels. She had a headband on her head and was wearing circular glasses.

"Wow, this feels nice," Rin beamed as she twirled around to feel the comfort of her disguise.

"We're not going there to have fun; we're going to look for Akiza," Yasuko pointed out.

For her disguise, Yasuko is wearing a dark green mini dress with a top button chest that stops at the middle thigh area and a brown belt. She has a black leather jacket over her dress and red sneakers. She's wearing a blue cap, and her hair is now tied into a ponytail braid. She is wearing a black face mask over her mouth to conceal her identity.

"Now that's what I called a Topsider fashion," Lua commented.

"Zip it, you little turd," said Yasuko. "Let's get going." She turns to Riley, sitting on the couch. "And you're coming with me."

The last time Yasuko came to Neo Domino City Prep School was the day she was looking for Akiza because she is the senator's daughter. Now she's coming back doing the same thing again but with many people this time. The school is still as big as she remembered, but it's hosting the Friendship Festival this time, so there will be exhibits, performances, spectacles, food stands, etc. One of the best-known events is their dueling competitions. Many students fawn over these events where monsters battle in front of spectators, and youngsters enjoy everything.

Rin looked around and marveled at the festival being held in such a prestigious school. "How amazing," she awed. "Is this what schools do here in the Tops?" She looked at the twins.

Lua was pumped. "Yep," he confirmed. "Every year, schools in the Tops host the Friendship Festival in honor of the Friendship Cup."

"Really?" Rin was even more intrigued. "That's so awesome!"

Despite their enthusiasm, Yasuko wasn't thrilled or amazed by the whole festival. Her old school does the same thing but is more for holidays and traditional events. "So what?" Yasuko questioned. "I have these things back at my old school."

Rin turned to Yasuko. "What? Really? My old school doesn't have this."

"How come?"

"It closed down years ago, even before Yugo and I built a duel runner."

"That's a shame," Yasuko replied.

The whole gang walked down the vendors and booths, looking for wherever Akiza was in the festival. Yet, it will be challenging since there are so many people.

Yasuko stops to notice the cotton candy booth. She turned to the twins and Rin.

"Hey, who wants cotton candy?"

The twins and Rin were delighted to hear what Yasuko had wanted. So, Rin, the twins, and Riley all got themselves cotton candy to their liking. Yasuko held Riley's hand as the boy stared at the cotton candy in the other. It took a bit longer, but he finally started eating it by himself.

"So, where would Akiza be doing in an event like this?" Yasuko asked.

Luna chews on some cotton candy. "Well, since she's part of the student council, my guess is she's going to manage the event," she assumed.

"They'll be in the management team," Lua added. "Which means they'll be over…" Lua points at the end of the aisle. "There."

Yasuko looks to where Lua is pointing. There is a stand where people can get information about the event. The one person they must see is Akiza. She was handing out flyers and pamphlets to other visitors.

"Come check out the sneak peek of the new cards!"

"See the Jack Atlas posters for the next Friendship Cup!"

Yasuko's group comes to see Akiza handling a pamphlet for a couple.

"Akiza!" Lua called. "Hey, Akiza!"

Akiza hears Lua calling to her. "Lua! Luna! So glad to see you!" She beamed at the twins. "See that you've been having fun."

"Well, what can we say? This year's festival is so huge! We have to come." Lua smiles at the older girl.

Akiza notices Yasuko and Rin. For some reason, she doesn't know yet. "Hello, are you two friends of Lua and Luna?" That's when she paused. Akiza looked down at Riley and noticed that he was the kid from Crow's place. "Wait, Riley?" she uttered. Looking up, Akiza realized the two individuals were Yasuko and Serena.

"Yasuko?" Akiza stated.

"In disguise," Yasuko added.

Akiza turned to Rin, looking surprised. "Serena?" she inquired.

"No, not Serena," Yasuko interjected. "We have a lot to talk about."

While the twins enjoy the festival, Akiza leads them to a private, unused classroom where they can talk. Yasuko recaps everything from when security chased them to working for a crime boss.

Akiza is not happy with this one bit. "Are you insane?!" she exclaimed. "Do you have any idea how much trouble you're in?!"

"It wasn't my fault Sector Security was on my ass," Yasuko argued. "Serena was an asshole, and Sawatari was an idiot. Crow told them not to go out and look what happened. Yuya is imprisoned; security is after us, and I'm running out of options here." She leans against a desk, trying to cool her head.

"But this is serious!" Akiza exclaimed. "Now security will be doubling down on the Commons just to look for you two!" She exhaled with frustration, pinching between her eyes. "And on top of that, you got yourself involved with a crime ring while your friends are still in prison." She turned to Yasuko and said, "It's going to be harder for me to secure their release."

"Not everyone," Yasuko protested. "Just one. Yuya Sakaki. I want Yuya Sakaki out of prison."

"But why Yuya? Aren't the Lancers your allies?" Akiza inquired.

"Yes, but I want Yuya out," Yasuko replied. "You can't bail out all of them if you try. Crow seems like he can handle himself. But the rest are stuck there permanently."

"So, what about that Serena girl?" Rin asked. "Isn't she important because Academia is after her?"

"She's a warrior; she can care for herself," Yasuko answered. "But the rest, I don't care about the others. I want Yuya out of there."

Akiza was deeply thinking about how to get the Lancers out of prison without drawing attention. She had one thought: "I know someone who can help us."

Yasuko and Rin perked up.

"Really?" Rin inquired.

"She's in the civilian sector but knows how Sector Security operates. I think she may be able to help you guys," said Akiza.

Yasuko was getting more annoyed with searching for other people. "Again. Do I have to look for more people?" she complained.

"No, this person, I can call her," Akiza divulged. "Her name is Mina Simington, and she's a lawyer for my father."

"Since when did you have a lawyer?"

"Since my father needed one to pass laws," Akiza quipped. "Mina knows how Sector Security policies work. Maybe she can turn the tables against them."

"And will that get Yuya out of prison?" Yasuko asked.

"Hopefully," Akiza replied.

"Well, that's good," said Rin. "But will she get Yasuko off the wanted list?"

Akiza has a grim look, telling them it will not be easy. "That's the problem," she said. "Because Yasuko's a fugitive, it's impossible for anyone from the Tops to get out on their own because we know each other." She looks out at the window. "The Tops can afford the best lawyers, get the best witness, and the jury is on their side, but since Yasuko's a wanted criminal, there's no way they'll side with her."

"What a filthy corrupted system," Yasuko commented.

Rin nodded. "The whole system is corrupted. It's why the Tops rarely get prosecuted," she added. "The Tops are always the winners."

Yasuko never forgets the world she's currently in. The Tops get everything, and those who aren't don't get everything.

"But I do have a new ID," Yasuko divulged.

"What?" Akiza inquired.

"Let's just say…I pulled out some strings."

Akiza was intrigued by what Yasuko had done to herself. "What kind of strings?"

"The kind that we can get security to stay away," said Yasuko.

"I'm listening," said Akiza.

Yasuko pulls out a thumb drive given to her by Blister. "This is the new identity for me and Riley," she said. "And certain immunities from Sector Security. I want you to verify the information to your lawyer and ensure we are protected."

Akiza was surprised. She never thought Yasuko and Riley would have certain immunities from security. "How'd you get this kind of protection? This is like government protection level right here."

"Not unless you worked for them," Yasuko replied.

Akiza nodded and took the thumb drive. "Okay, sure. I'm going to call Mina right after this whole event."

"Thank you, Akiza," said Yasuko.

"You're most welcome, Yasuko," Akiza responded. "Now, if you will excuse me, I have a festival to run." She heads for the door, and Akiza turns to the three before she exits. "Don't worry? I'll take care of everything," she assured.

Rin smiled and bowed to her. "Thank you so much, Miss Akiza Izinski," she said.

"Please, don't be so informal; call me Akiza," she concluded. With that, Akiza leaves the classroom.

Yasuko sighed with relief that their troubles were almost over. "It's almost over." Turning over to Rin, she said, "As soon as Akiza turns it in, security won't be able to touch us."

"Can we trust her?" Rin questioned.

"If she didn't, she would've turned us over when we came to her," Yasuko defended.

"That's a relief," Rin commented.

Rin can see how stressed Yasuko must have been after evading security. She was sure Yasuko hadn't had a break since then. "We should do something together," she proposed.

"What?"

"Well, you've been so busy lately that you never really thought about giving yourself a break," said Rin. "So maybe you should take a break."

Yasuko thought of what Rin said, and she could be right. It's been tough for her trying to evade security and wanting her out of the fugitive status, so maybe a small day off wouldn't hurt. Even so, she has to be vigilant.

"Maybe you're right," Yasuko agreed. "It's been a rough few days for me and Riley." She looked at the boy staring out the window, watching the festival.

"Then let's all come down and see the Friendship Festival!" Rin beamed. "It's a very big deal for me. I've always wanted to see what it was like to be in a Friendship Festival."

Yasuko could not help but feel contempt for Rin's words. She seems selfish enough to ignore the Commons down in the slums. "What of it? It's just a celebration for this Friendship Cup," she said.

Rin was offended. "Come on, Yasuko," she complained. "This is a chance we can have fun. The Friendship Cup comes once a year, and we'll never have a chance like this until next year. Don't worry. We'll be fine so long as we don't draw attention."

Yasuko doesn't like it. The festival is too big to be seen in public. She rolled her eyes with annoyance. "Oh, fine," she said. "But only if you stick with me. You and Riley are to never leave my side." She will regret it, but Yasuko needs some breather before doing something again.

The Friendship Festival is as lively as ever. With many visitors coming to the booths and stands, everyone enjoys their time before the Friendship Cup.

Lua and Luna came back to them after sightseeing the glorious booths. The booths have everything for the Friendship Cup; it was everything the youngsters could dream of. Yasuko was walking down the aisle with Riley and Rin beside her. Riley was constantly looking around, from the booths to the food stands. The girl reminded herself that Riley never enjoyed the things kids his age do because of Henrietta and Declan, but then again, Riley is so timid that she thinks this festival might be a chance for Riley to experience something different. There were games, so Yasuko and Rin showed Riley some they could try: ring toss hoops, duck nets, beanbag throws, baseball throws to knock bottles, etc. Riley was fixated on these games and fascinated by things beyond dueling.

After playing some games, Yasuko and Rin sit on a school bench with Riley, eating the ice cream Rin had brought him.

"What a day!" Rin cheered. "That fun!"

"Yeah, sure," Yasuko drawled.

Rin can tell the lack of enthusiasm in Yasuko's voice. "Didn't you have fun today?" she questioned.

"Well, my definition of "fun" isn't going to big events, games, or anything that involves crowds," said Yasuko.

"Why not? Too risky for us?" Rin asked again.

Yasuko paused, taking the time to think through. "No, it's just…doing this and thinking about the Dimensions War doesn't mix," she stated.

"But you got us to the Tops," said Rin.

"Not from Academia," Yasuko argued. "I can't just be goofing around in this city. I have a mission." She turned to Rin. "This isn't fun to me if Academia is still attacking."

Rin put some thought into her words. "Is that why you're not having fun?"

Yasuko was ticked off by Rin's cluelessness when Academia kidnaped her. "How stupid are you?" she insulted.

"What?" Rin inquired, offended.

"How could you think about this stupid Friendship Festival when Academia is out there hunting you? Do you even know what is happening right now?" Yasuko was adamant that Rin wouldn't care if the war continued.

Rin looks guilty, looking down at her ice cream bowl. "I…I don't know what to say," she said. "I don't know about those whole Dimensions thing, but I just want to come back home and be with Yugo again."

Yasuko calms down, remembering that Rin grew up in the Commons with Yugo as an orphan. It's clear to her that Rin has never experienced something in her age group. "It's the first time you've been to a festival?" she wondered.

Rin nodded. "Yugo and I never had anyone but each other, and when we promised to beat Jack at the Friendship Cup, we wanted to come to the Tops so badly, but this isn't how I'd come to the Tops," she said.

"Not everything is a dream come true, Rin," said Yasuko.

Rin looked at Yasuko and said, "You're very lucky. I bet you have a family who looks after you, who loves you, who gets to take you to festivals like this."

"Not quite what you think of me," Yasuko argued. She paused to look at Riley, who didn't seem concerned if Yasuko disclosed a bit about himself and her. "I'm just like you. And Riley is, too."

Rin perked her head, surprised. "What?"

"Yep," Yasuko replied. "I grew up without knowing who my real parents are. Lived in the streets. Then, I was adopted. Taken to Japan. It was very difficult for me growing up, too."

Rin had a second thought. Yasuko mentioned Riley being like her, meaning he was an orphan, too. She looked at Riley. "You too?" she asked the little one.

Riley stopped eating his ice cream and gazed up at Rin. He did not reply to her question, just staring at her in surprise. The boy looked to Yasuko to see if he was waiting for her approval, and Yasuko nodded. When Riley turned back, he nodded in response to Rin's question.

The girl looked sympathetic towards the two. "I didn't know…" she paused. "I'm sorry if I'm being selfish."

Yasuko waves it off dismissively as if it's not a big deal for her or Riley. "Nah, forget it," she said. "It doesn't matter to me or Riley. We lived our lives that way, and now we're here. Nothing can't be done." She looked at Rin.

"So, what now?" Rin inquired. "What's the next step?"

"We're in the Tops. Now we just crash into the twins' place for now and then work on securing my Lancers' release," said Yasuko. "And then…" She was thinking of what else her options were left. Delcan is still missing, and Yasuko has no idea where the ninja is. Her window is still closing on her.

"Hey, Yasuko," Rin called, getting her attention. "Can I ask you something?"

"What is it?" Yasuko replied.

"Uh…I don't mean to be personal, but…what does Yuya mean to you?" Yasuko was surprised when Rin asked her about her concern for Yuya. "When you said you want to get Yuya out first, it's like he's more important to you than the Lancers."

Yasuko has some reason why she wanted Yuya out of the facility before the other Lancers. "Yuya is a student of mine," she divulged.

Rin was taken back. "Student?"

Yasuko explained why Yuya is considered her student, teaching him everything about the Extra Deck, at least to her knowledge. When she finished, Rin giggled with amusement.

"That's a lot of fun," Rin commented.

"More like a pain," Yasuko responded.

"Still, it sounds like you had fun teaching Yuya.

Yasuko doesn't think it was fun for her, but it wasn't all that bad. At least Yuya listened and remembered what she had taught him. "I…don't know if it's fun," she said.

Rin smiled at her. "Well, you and Yuya have a lot in common now," she stated

Yasuko turns to her. "Like what?"

"Dueling for starters," said Rin. "You and Yuya are close, so I think you may find something unique in him."

Yasuko would describe her relationship with Yuya as close, but then again, he did stick with her to the Arc League. "I suppose," she said.

They watch the night sky illuminated with stars and the city light. For the longest time, Yasuko realized something. Despite being in the Dimensions War, and Neo Domino City being a dystopian world, there are small moments where she feels easy. No Academia. No Lancers. Just easy.

The twins come back later, and Akiza follows them to meet the trio.

"Hey," Lua called. "That was fun, right guys?"

Yasuko shrugged. "It's okay."

"Most fun," Rin stated.

"Hey, cousin," Luna pretended to say to her "cousin". "Akiza wants to say something."

Akiza comes forward to speak with Yasuko and her little group. "Hi, so, uh. I've arranged a visit with my lawyer tomorrow to discuss your situation more."

"Can we trust her?" Yasuko inquired,

"I've been with her since I first met Mina," Akiza affirmed. "She can be valuable to us if we're in trouble."

Yasuko wants to meet Mina as soon as possible. "Okay," she confirmed.

"So, you ready to go home?" Lua asked.

"Sure," Rin replied. "Let's go."

The trio gets up and starts heading back to their apartment. As Yasuko starts walking, she feels her hand being held. She looks down and sees Riley holding her hand. The girl doesn't seem to mind about him. After all, he is a kid. Riley should enjoy the small things.

Here is chapter 14 of the story. We're getting closer to the Friendship Cup arc in a few more chapters. Just be patient. I'll get through to that eventually, so anyways. I hope this chapter will be a small breather before we get to big duels. So many characters to introduce, and so many duels to cover in this Friendship Cup. Just be patient. we'll get there. Anyways, if you like what you are reading this far, then don't forget to leave down a comment on what you're thoughts are, and favor or follow the story for close taps. If you like it, recommend it to another reader you know and see if they like it. That's all folk!